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Infertility Evaluation

In a single cycle, the likelihood of conception (achieving pregnancy) for a healthy young couple is approximately 20 percent. During 12 months, the combined likelihood of achieving pregnancy is about 85 percent. It is important to know that these numbers will start to decrease beginning in a woman’s early thirties, and decline faster after age 35.

Multiple factors can affect a couple’s ability to conceive. Generally, the causes can be divided into male and female categories.

Male Factor (40 percent)

Female Factor (40 percent)

Male and Female Factors (10 percent)

Unexplained (10 percent)

Therefore, a thorough evaluation of the infertile couple begins with investigation for both male and female causes of infertility.

We also evaluate couples suffering from recurrent pregnancy loss.

Evaluation of the Male

The evaluation includes a thorough patient history and semen analysis.

Semen Analysis

Avoid ejaculation for 2-5 days before the appointment.

Lab collection is preferable, but it can be obtained at home if kept warm and brought to the lab within 30 minutes of collection.

Sperm Concentration

Total number of sperm per volume of semen, counted in millions/milliliter.

20 million/ml is normal.

Motility (Movement)

Percentage of forward-swimming sperm in the sample.

³ 50% is normal.

Morphology (Shape)

Percentage of normally-shaped sperm in the specimen.

More than 14% is normal, using strict criteria.

Infection

The presence of many white blood cells may indicate that infection is present. Infections can usually be treated with a course of antibiotics.

When an abnormality is noted, the patient will typically obtain a repeat specimen. If it remains abnormal, a referral to a urologist is sometimes recommended for a physical examination and further workup.

Evaluation of the Female

This evaluation starts with a detailed patient history and physical examination, with attention to past illnesses and surgeries, menstrual cycle characteristics, previous pregnancies and contraception (birth control).

Ovulation (monthly release of an egg)

Ovulation Predictor Kit

Using a home urine testing kit, we can measure luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone that causes ovulation.

A positive test predicts ovulation within 24 to 40 hours.

Progesterone Level

One week after ovulation, the patient has blood drawn to test for elevation of this hormone, which is produced by the ovaries.

Basal Body Temperature

After ovulation, a small increase in body temperature occurs, which lasts throughout the second half of the cycle.

Take temperature by mouth every morning before getting out of bed for 2-3 menstrual cycles.

Vaginal Ultrasound

Collapse of a mature follicle confirms ovulation.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS include 2 out of 3:

Infrequent ovulation, usually with less frequent menstrual bleeding but sometimes menstrual cycles can be regular

Clinical and or biochemical signs of increased testosterone or similar hormones

Evidence of polycystic ovaries by ultrasound

Diagnosis also involves exclusion of various other disorders such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing’s syndrome, androgen secreting tumors, as well as thyroid or prolactin disorders which have a similar presentation.

May need further screening tests for pre-diabetic conditions and cholesterol abnormalities, as well as uterine lining evaluation with ultrasound or office biopsy

Ovarian Reserve

Ability of the eggs remaining in a woman’s ovaries at a given age, to produce a viable pregnancy

Decreases with age

Testing recommended on all women who are ³ 35 years, as well as women with a history of poor response to fertility drugs

Basal FSH, Estradiol

Single blood test that is performed between Days 2 and 4 of the menstrual cycle; we routinely use this test.

Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test (CCCT)

Administration of clomiphene citrate, with two blood test measurements on Day 3 and Day 10 of the menstrual cycle; we use this test less commonly.

Basal Antral Follicle (BAF) count

Transvaginal ultrasound to count the number of small follicles (cyst with egg inside) at the beginning of cycle. A low number indicates a poor reserve.

Tubal Factor, Uterine Factor and Pelvic FactorIf the above tests demonstrate that a woman is ovulating, further tests and procedures may be performed to look for other causes of female infertility. These include:

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)

Performed right after the menstrual period is completed

X-ray taken while dye is placed in the uterus through a thin tube inserted through the cervix

Dye fills the inside of the uterus and then shows whether the fallopian tubes are open

Laparoscopy

Outpatient surgical procedure that requires general anesthesia

Small telescope attached to video camera is placed through a small incision made in the navel to evaluate the pelvis

If endometriosis or adhesions (scar tissue) are found, they are usually treated at the same time.

Dye can also be injected through the cervix to determine if the fallopian tubes are open.

Hysteroscopy

Small telescope attached to a video camera, placed through the cervix, and into the uterus, which is filled with fluid

Abnormalities in the uterus can be corrected using this technique.

Can be performed in the office, or in the operating room in conjunction with a laparoscopy

Saline Infusion Sonography (SIS)

Simple ultrasound procedure to determine whether the uterine cavity is normal, and can be performed in the office

A small tube inserted through cervix is used to inject a small amount of saline to view the uterine cavity during the ultrasound.

Can also be used to assess whether at least one of the fallopian tubes is open

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Evaluation typically begins after two miscarriages that have occurred prior to 13 weeks of pregnancy.